According to new survey data from CeraVe, parents of kids between the ages of 10 and 17 say acne is the top skin concern for their child.

On Acne Awareness Month, the skincare brand identified current skincare trends among this age group to help arm parents with the right information to help their children make the healthiest decisions for their skin.

CeraVe says an acne breakout can be an emotional experience with potential to impact self-esteem without proper care. In fact, according to the brand, one in five parents said their child has asked about skipping a school activity or social event due to acne and 45% of parents believe that social media has made their child more self-conscious about their skin.

“CeraVe understands the impact that acne can have on people of all ages and knows that having clear-looking skin is one of the many reasons for the growing interest in skincare among younger generations,” said Penelope Giraud, CeraVe general manager. “We are committed to working with dermatologists to offer a full range of products that allow consumers of all ages to customize their skincare routines to use what works best for them and feel confident in their skin.”

Consulting a Dermatologist Over Dr. Google

With over 6 million posts on TikTok using #skincareroutine and over 2 million using #acne, it’s easy to scroll to seek skincare tips and information. However, the brand says ensuring the information is coming from credible sources, like board-certified dermatologists, is essential ahead of attempting the latest skincare hack.

According to the same CeraVe survey, three-quarters (74%) of parents say their kids are talking to them about acne, and while they know their kids are gathering information by scrolling online, parents are looking to healthcare professionals for their children’s skincare advice. More than half (54%) say they go to a dermatologist as a first resource, followed closely by a pediatrician (42%).

Still, 61% of parents say their children participate in the skincare trends they see online, so parents want to ensure they are equipped to help them answer any skincare questions. In fact, per the brand, 70% of them say that they’d like more education on what products are healthy and beneficial for their children.

“As a pediatric dermatologist, acne is one of the most common topics I address with my patients and their parents as kids start to experience their first breakouts,” said board-certified pediatric dermatologist Dr. Latanya Benjamin. “Each patient’s acne experience is different and caring for acne-prone skin can start at an early age, so I encourage everyone to make sure the ingredients are age-appropriate. I recommend a gentle routine with CeraVe products that includes a daily cleanser and moisturizer, and when breakouts really begin to need treatment, swapping in products that have acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.”

CeraVe’s Acne Offerings

CeraVe offers a line of acne products developed with ingredients to help treat and prevent acne, while restoring the skin barrier. The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash with 10% benzoyl peroxide is a gentle yet effective formula for both face and body to treat pimples and prevent new ones from forming. As many acne-fighting active ingredients can be harsh on the skin, especially upon first use, brand officials say it is beneficial to find formulas with hydrating and soothing ingredients backed with dermatologist expertise. In the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash, the maximum-strength wash features a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide alongside hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides, so it does not disrupt the skin barrier.

Throughout the summer, CeraVe is partnering with dermatologists and “mommy” influencers to co-create social media content to help parents understand the dos and don’ts of teen and tween skincare. The brand has also collaborated with dermatologists and pediatricians to co-create kits with educational materials for parents and teens, which will be distributed by pediatricians nationwide.